Songwriting Club: Truck Driver Song
by D.O.
It’s time once again for another unveiling of a Songwriting Club product. This round’s topic was none other than “truck drivers”. I’ll offer two points before divulging the lyrics.
Point 1: I know many (read: three) of you have requested that I record these songs and share them with the masses. I’ve decided that I’m entirely for that idea, but I don’t currently have the mic necessary to do so. That said, as soon as a mic turns up (and I have some time), I’ll go back and post recordings of these songs for all to… well, hopefully enjoy.
Point 2: This round’s song turned out a little depressing. I really didn’t intend for that to happen, but it’s the turn the lyrics took and I just went with it. It is imperative that you know — before, during and after reading the lyrics — that they are in absolutely no way autobiographical. Truly. If it were not so I wouldn’t have told you.
Out on the Road
His dad drove a truck over forty hours a week
Up and down 35 for thirty years at least
His dad’s occupation would keep him from home
And the boy grew up while dad was out on the road
His sister was older and didn’t seem to care
How dad was gone most the time, how he wasn’t there
She always had boyfriends to carry her load
And the girl got pregnant while dad was out on the road
His mom full of strength, love, hope and grace
And beauty unfading in her aging face
She fought it but she could not stand being alone
And their marriage grew apart while dad was out on the road
One day the boy went to church with a friend
And heard about a Father whose presence wouldn’t end
He thought and he prayed about it all the way home
And the boy wrote this song while dad was out on the road
His dad drove a truck over forty hours a week
He wanted to meet all his family’s needs
But he didn’t call or come home enough to know
His family fell apart while he was out on the road
Comments
wow Derrick! I really like this one! Great job!
You’re right! Depressing (except where the boy finds God). But there is a lot of that scenerio in many, many families.
D.O., Love the songs. I really want to hear the recorded versions.
I feel like you are the man to answer this question that I have had for a long time. In song writing, what comes first the lyrics and then a melody (or tune? I don’t know my terminology) OR the tune and then the lyrics?
You may not have the right mic, but at crooked tree coffee house, you don’t need a mic to perform your songs live for the masses to hear over a cup of coffee. I will hook you up if you are man enough to share your creative genius in public.
Stiller (the man)
Nice. This seriously could be a folksy country song on the radio…..I hope that doesn’t offend you. I happen to like folksy country.
Being the daughter of a diesel mechanic, I have to say,”true dat.” Thankfully, my dad was in the bay of his shop instead of out on the road. But, we’ve seen homes fall apart many times over. Depressing and true.
Thanks for sharing!